"Extreme Makeover: Schutte Edition" underway

For just under two weeks, a group of kind-hearted people from Jetmore have been working to renovate a house on Atkin Street for a family in need. And they're not stopping yet.

by Abigail WilsonDodge City Daily Globe

For just under two weeks, a group of kind-hearted people from Jetmore have been working to renovate a house on Atkin Street for a family in need. And they're not stopping yet.

"We are making great progress on the house," said Denise Schroeder who organized the workforce. "We have had some steady help and others jump in to lend a hand."

Schroeder is a close friend of the Schutte family who moved from Jetmore to Halstead in August. The family's second youngest child, Dyron, was killed in a car accident Jan. 3.

"If there is one big thing that would help the Schutte family right now, it is selling their house in Jetmore. The house is a huge financial burden and the selling process is emotionally draining. By all means, we want to make life without Dyron easier on this dear family," Schroeder said in a January interview.

And so far, Schroeder hasn't been the only person hoping to ease the family's grief.

"Local contractor, Kurt Lonnberg of Lonnberg Construction, was quick to offer his help when the project took off," Schroeder said. "He put texture on the ceilings; and he consults us and pitches in when we need him. His knowledge has given us confidence as we pursue this big project!"

In addition, Kitchens Inc. has donated cabinets and countertops to the project and Sherwin Williams gave the crew $500 worth of paint.

To Schroeder, seeing the heartfelt generosity from local businesses has been the most exciting thing to happen during what she calls "Extreme Makeover: Schutte Edition."

"It is overwhelming and makes me tearful," she said.

Diana Schutte and her family also have high hopes for the project.

"It's been fun getting the updates on what is being done to the house we dearly loved. We can't wait to see the transformation. We are hoping another family can move into it and fall in love just like we did and make their own amazing memories," she said.

The next stage of the project will focus on outdoor improvements including a new porch rail as well as updates to the fence and shutters. Schroeder said Meade Lumber has offered to help with some expenses for the outdoor project, but she is still working out the details with the company.

An open house is tentatively set for Feb. 24.

Donations for the "Extreme Makeover: Schutte Edition" project can be sent to Farmers State Bank, Schutte Makeover, P.O. Box 157, Jetmore, KS 67854. Checks should be made payable to: Schutte Makeover. Anyone wishing to donate their time, labor or possible fixtures for the home should contact the Dodge City Daily Globe at (620) 408-9917.